Turmeric Side Effects and Benefits
INTRODUCTION
Turmeric belongs to the family of N.O. Zingiberaceae. Its related terms
include Curcuma. Curcuma rotunda (LINN.). Amomum curcuma (Jacq.)
Turmeric is a perennial plant. It can be found in SouthEast Asia. Tumeric is
one of the key ingredients in curry. Recently, a scientist found that turmeric
may have anti-cancer properties, this adds one more point to turmeric
potential benefits. Turmeric has a unique odor and a bitter taste and it
colors the saliva yellow. Turmeric contains gum, starch, calcium, fiber and
curcumin (the colorant and also the active ingredient) [1,2]. Curcumin was
found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Boiling alcohol
is usually used to extract this chemical.
Traditionally, tumeric was used to treat jaundice, gallstones, indigestion,
gas, worms, menstruation problems and arthritis. It was applied in the
form of a paste to aid healing of cuts and grazes. However, most of these
uses are in lack of scientific support or meaningful evidence. Turmeric is
also used to manufacture curry powders pickles, and mustard. Turmeric
tincture is used as yellow coloring agent for paper and other products.
Today, turmeric is still used as a food preservative and colorant for food
products.
RESEARCH FINDINGS ON TURMERIC BENEFITS
CANCER
Anticancer activity of turmeric in tissue cultures and in mice has been
demonstrated in 1985. [3] Turmeric extract was found to be able to inhibit
the cell growth in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells at a concentration of 0.4
mg/ml and was cytotoxic to lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at
the same concentration.
Curcumin in turmeric was found to inhibit NF-kappaB very well. NF-kappaB
is a protein which helps cancer cells to survive once they start to grow.
People with the early signs of oesophagus cancer could be advised to eat
more turmeric-laced foods in a bid to beat the killer disease. [11, 12, 19]
BREAST CANCER Turmeric curcumin induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells
by regulation of multiple signaling pathways, indicating its potential use for
prevention and treatment of cancer. [21]
DYPEPSIA
Dypepsia is a condition that the person experiences a variety of digestive
problems such as stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, belching, appetite
loss, and nausea for unknown medical cause. Turmeric was shown to be
able to reduce dyspepsia symptoms in a clinical trial. [8,9]
EXCITOTOXICITY
In a study, A 24 h-treatment with turmeric curcumin reduced N-methyl-D: -
aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitotoxic cell damage. The protection was
believed to be associated with decrease of NMDA receptor-mediated Ca
(2+) and reduction in the level of phosphorylated NR1 subunit of the NMDA
receptor. [22]
HYPERTENSION
Turmeric [Curcuma herb] was found to have hypotensive and protective
effect on the endothelium in spontaneously hypertensive rats [23]
ULCER
Turmeric does not appear to be effective for treating ulcers [6,7].
LIVER DISEASE
Curcumin or turmeric might help protect the liver from damage but there
are also reports that turmeric extracts may damage the liver at high
doses. [13-18].
DOSAGE
Turmeric extract is often taken in a form having curcumin content of 400 to
600 mg.
TURMERIC SIDE EFFECTS
Turmeric has been used in food products for many years, standard doses
of turmeric or curcumin should be safe to a healthy person. [1,10]
FDA considers that turmeric may be safely used for the coloring of foods
generally, in amounts consistent with good GMP practice. [20]
People with liver disease should avoid using turmeric products, as there
are reports that turmeric extracts may be toxic to the liver. [32. 33]
Because turmeric [curcumin] has stimulating effects on the gallbladder,
individuals with gallbladder disease should use turmeric [curcumin] only on
the advice of a physician.
At standard doses, it does not appear to harm the stomach. [4] However,
high doses of curcumin might in fact increase the risk of ulcers. [5]
REFERENCES
1. Ammon HPT, Wahl MA. Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 1991;57:
1–7. 2. Sreejayan N, Rao MNA. Free radical scavenging activity of curcuminoids.
Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46:169–171. 3 Kuttan P Potential anticancer activity
of turmeric (Curcuma longa).Cancer Lett. 1985 Nov;29(2):197-202. 4. Srimal RC,
Dhawan BN. Pharmacology of diferuloyl methane (curcumin), a non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory agent. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1973;25:447–452. 5. Gupta B,
Kulshrestha VK, Srivastava RK, et al. Mechanisms of curcumin induced gastric ulcer
in rats. Indian J Med Res. 1980;71:806–814. 6. Van Dau N, Ngoc Ham N, Huy Khac
D, et al. The effects of a traditional drug, turmeric (Curcuma longa), and placebo on
the healing of duodenal ulcer. Phytomedicine. 1998;5:29–34. 7. Kositchaiwat C,
Kositchaiwat S, Havanondha J. Curcuma longa Linn. in the treatment of gastric ulcer
comparison to liquid antacid: a controlled clinical trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 1993;76:
601–605. 8. Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-
bladder function: an ultrasound study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13:245–249.
9. Thamlikitkul V, Bunyapraphatsara N, Dechatiwongse T, et al. Randomized double
blind study of Curcuma domestica Val. for dyspepsia. J Med Assoc Thai. 1989;72:
613–620. 10 Shankar TNB, Shantha NV, Ramesh HP, et al. Toxicity studies on
turmeric (Cucurma longa): acute toxicity studies in rats, guinea pigs and monkeys.
Indian J Exp Biol. 1980;18:73–75. 11 Afaq F, Adhami VM, Ahmad N, et al.
Botanical antioxidants for chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis. Front Biosci.
2002;7:d784-92. 12 Arbiser JL, Klauber N, Rohan R, et al. Curcumin is an in vivo
inhibitor of angiogenesis. Mol Med. 1998;4:376-383. 13 Chuang S, Cheng A, Lin J,
Kuo M. Inhibition by curcumin of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic hyperplasia,
inflammation, cellular gene products and cell-cycle related proteins in rats. Food
Chem Toxicol. 2000;38(11):991-995. 14 Deshpande UR, Gadre SG, Raste AS, et
al. Protective effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) extract on carbon tetrachloride-
induced liver damage in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998;36:573-577. 15 Song EK, Cho
H, Kim JS, et al. Diarylheptanoids with free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective
activity in vitro from Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 2001;67:876-877 16 Venkatesan
N. Pulmonary protective effects of curcumin against paraquat toxicity. Life Sci. 2000;
66:PL21-28. 17 Deshpande S, et al. Subchronic oral toxicity of turmeric and
ethanolic turmeric extract in female mice and rats. Toxicology Letters. 1998;95:183-
193. 18 Kandarkar SV, Sawant SS, Ingle AD, et al. Subchronic oral hepatotoxicity of
turmeric in mice--histopathological and ultrastructural studies. Indian J Exp Biol.
1998 Jul;36(7):675-679. 19 Curry can help cure cancer icWales Aug 9 2005, Spice's
role in cancer fight probed, Daily Mail, 11:44am 9th August 2005 20 TITLE 21--
FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE PART 73--LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT
FROM CERTIFICATION--Table of Contents Subpart A--Foods Sec. 73.600 Turmeric.
FDA Publication August 18, 2005. 21. Ramachandran C, Expression profiles of
apoptotic genes induced by curcumin in human breast cancer and mammary
epithelial cell lines. Anticancer Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):3293-302. 22. Matteucci A,
Curcumin treatment protects rat retinal neurons against excitotoxicity: effect on N-
methyl-D: -aspartate-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase. Exp Brain Res. 2005 Aug
3;:1-8 23. Goto H, Effect of curcuma herbs [Turmeric] on vasomotion and
hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rat.
Turmeric belongs to the family of N.O. Zingiberaceae. Its related terms
include Curcuma. Curcuma rotunda (LINN.). Amomum curcuma (Jacq.)
Turmeric is a perennial plant. It can be found in SouthEast Asia. Tumeric is
one of the key ingredients in curry. Recently, a scientist found that turmeric
may have anti-cancer properties, this adds one more point to turmeric
potential benefits. Turmeric has a unique odor and a bitter taste and it
colors the saliva yellow. Turmeric contains gum, starch, calcium, fiber and
curcumin (the colorant and also the active ingredient) [1,2]. Curcumin was
found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Boiling alcohol
is usually used to extract this chemical.
Traditionally, tumeric was used to treat jaundice, gallstones, indigestion,
gas, worms, menstruation problems and arthritis. It was applied in the
form of a paste to aid healing of cuts and grazes. However, most of these
uses are in lack of scientific support or meaningful evidence. Turmeric is
also used to manufacture curry powders pickles, and mustard. Turmeric
tincture is used as yellow coloring agent for paper and other products.
Today, turmeric is still used as a food preservative and colorant for food
products.
RESEARCH FINDINGS ON TURMERIC BENEFITS
CANCER
Anticancer activity of turmeric in tissue cultures and in mice has been
demonstrated in 1985. [3] Turmeric extract was found to be able to inhibit
the cell growth in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells at a concentration of 0.4
mg/ml and was cytotoxic to lymphocytes and Dalton's lymphoma cells at
the same concentration.
Curcumin in turmeric was found to inhibit NF-kappaB very well. NF-kappaB
is a protein which helps cancer cells to survive once they start to grow.
People with the early signs of oesophagus cancer could be advised to eat
more turmeric-laced foods in a bid to beat the killer disease. [11, 12, 19]
BREAST CANCER Turmeric curcumin induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells
by regulation of multiple signaling pathways, indicating its potential use for
prevention and treatment of cancer. [21]
DYPEPSIA
Dypepsia is a condition that the person experiences a variety of digestive
problems such as stomach discomfort, gas, bloating, belching, appetite
loss, and nausea for unknown medical cause. Turmeric was shown to be
able to reduce dyspepsia symptoms in a clinical trial. [8,9]
EXCITOTOXICITY
In a study, A 24 h-treatment with turmeric curcumin reduced N-methyl-D: -
aspartate (NMDA)-mediated excitotoxic cell damage. The protection was
believed to be associated with decrease of NMDA receptor-mediated Ca
(2+) and reduction in the level of phosphorylated NR1 subunit of the NMDA
receptor. [22]
HYPERTENSION
Turmeric [Curcuma herb] was found to have hypotensive and protective
effect on the endothelium in spontaneously hypertensive rats [23]
ULCER
Turmeric does not appear to be effective for treating ulcers [6,7].
LIVER DISEASE
Curcumin or turmeric might help protect the liver from damage but there
are also reports that turmeric extracts may damage the liver at high
doses. [13-18].
DOSAGE
Turmeric extract is often taken in a form having curcumin content of 400 to
600 mg.
TURMERIC SIDE EFFECTS
Turmeric has been used in food products for many years, standard doses
of turmeric or curcumin should be safe to a healthy person. [1,10]
FDA considers that turmeric may be safely used for the coloring of foods
generally, in amounts consistent with good GMP practice. [20]
People with liver disease should avoid using turmeric products, as there
are reports that turmeric extracts may be toxic to the liver. [32. 33]
Because turmeric [curcumin] has stimulating effects on the gallbladder,
individuals with gallbladder disease should use turmeric [curcumin] only on
the advice of a physician.
At standard doses, it does not appear to harm the stomach. [4] However,
high doses of curcumin might in fact increase the risk of ulcers. [5]
REFERENCES
1. Ammon HPT, Wahl MA. Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 1991;57:
1–7. 2. Sreejayan N, Rao MNA. Free radical scavenging activity of curcuminoids.
Arzneimittelforschung. 1996;46:169–171. 3 Kuttan P Potential anticancer activity
of turmeric (Curcuma longa).Cancer Lett. 1985 Nov;29(2):197-202. 4. Srimal RC,
Dhawan BN. Pharmacology of diferuloyl methane (curcumin), a non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory agent. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1973;25:447–452. 5. Gupta B,
Kulshrestha VK, Srivastava RK, et al. Mechanisms of curcumin induced gastric ulcer
in rats. Indian J Med Res. 1980;71:806–814. 6. Van Dau N, Ngoc Ham N, Huy Khac
D, et al. The effects of a traditional drug, turmeric (Curcuma longa), and placebo on
the healing of duodenal ulcer. Phytomedicine. 1998;5:29–34. 7. Kositchaiwat C,
Kositchaiwat S, Havanondha J. Curcuma longa Linn. in the treatment of gastric ulcer
comparison to liquid antacid: a controlled clinical trial. J Med Assoc Thai. 1993;76:
601–605. 8. Rasyid A, Lelo A. The effect of curcumin and placebo on human gall-
bladder function: an ultrasound study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13:245–249.
9. Thamlikitkul V, Bunyapraphatsara N, Dechatiwongse T, et al. Randomized double
blind study of Curcuma domestica Val. for dyspepsia. J Med Assoc Thai. 1989;72:
613–620. 10 Shankar TNB, Shantha NV, Ramesh HP, et al. Toxicity studies on
turmeric (Cucurma longa): acute toxicity studies in rats, guinea pigs and monkeys.
Indian J Exp Biol. 1980;18:73–75. 11 Afaq F, Adhami VM, Ahmad N, et al.
Botanical antioxidants for chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis. Front Biosci.
2002;7:d784-92. 12 Arbiser JL, Klauber N, Rohan R, et al. Curcumin is an in vivo
inhibitor of angiogenesis. Mol Med. 1998;4:376-383. 13 Chuang S, Cheng A, Lin J,
Kuo M. Inhibition by curcumin of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic hyperplasia,
inflammation, cellular gene products and cell-cycle related proteins in rats. Food
Chem Toxicol. 2000;38(11):991-995. 14 Deshpande UR, Gadre SG, Raste AS, et
al. Protective effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa L) extract on carbon tetrachloride-
induced liver damage in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998;36:573-577. 15 Song EK, Cho
H, Kim JS, et al. Diarylheptanoids with free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective
activity in vitro from Curcuma longa. Planta Med. 2001;67:876-877 16 Venkatesan
N. Pulmonary protective effects of curcumin against paraquat toxicity. Life Sci. 2000;
66:PL21-28. 17 Deshpande S, et al. Subchronic oral toxicity of turmeric and
ethanolic turmeric extract in female mice and rats. Toxicology Letters. 1998;95:183-
193. 18 Kandarkar SV, Sawant SS, Ingle AD, et al. Subchronic oral hepatotoxicity of
turmeric in mice--histopathological and ultrastructural studies. Indian J Exp Biol.
1998 Jul;36(7):675-679. 19 Curry can help cure cancer icWales Aug 9 2005, Spice's
role in cancer fight probed, Daily Mail, 11:44am 9th August 2005 20 TITLE 21--
FOOD AND DRUGS CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE PART 73--LISTING OF COLOR ADDITIVES EXEMPT
FROM CERTIFICATION--Table of Contents Subpart A--Foods Sec. 73.600 Turmeric.
FDA Publication August 18, 2005. 21. Ramachandran C, Expression profiles of
apoptotic genes induced by curcumin in human breast cancer and mammary
epithelial cell lines. Anticancer Res. 2005 Sep-Oct;25(5):3293-302. 22. Matteucci A,
Curcumin treatment protects rat retinal neurons against excitotoxicity: effect on N-
methyl-D: -aspartate-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase. Exp Brain Res. 2005 Aug
3;:1-8 23. Goto H, Effect of curcuma herbs [Turmeric] on vasomotion and
hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rat.
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Supplements
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Almond
Bladderwrack
Bilberry
Chromium
CLA
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Colostrum
Dandelion
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eve. Primrose Oil
Fish Oil
Flaxseed
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Gotu Kola
Guar Gum
Hyaluronic acid
Lecithin
Lycopene
Milk Thistle
Nattokinase
Passion Flower
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Pycnogenol
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Royal Jelly
Stevia
Whey
Xylitol
More Supplements
THIS WEBSITE TALKS ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS,
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES.
ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER
FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX
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